Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles 120 cm Desert Sky

2026-04-20T20:00:00

Light, compact, and comfortable, these are simply the best approach poles on the market!

Jordy S.

Originally posted at

2026-04-14T20:00:00

Absolutely love these Distance Carbon Z Poles! Super lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, perfect for long trail runs and hikes. The foldable design is a game changer; they pack down small and deploy in seconds when needed on climbs. The grip feels comfortable even during longer efforts, and the carbon construction really helps reduce fatigue over distance. I especially noticed the difference on sustained climbs, they give great support without feeling bulky or heavy. Highly recommend for anyone doing trail races, ultras, or hikes where efficiency and weight matter. Worth every penny!

Vijay L.

Originally posted at

2026-02-11T19:00:00

Long time user of the Alpine carbon poles, but have never owned a pair of dedicated running poles until now. I can't use them for backpacking when I'm using a trekking pole shelter unfortunately, but I wanted the absolute lightest available so opted out of the adjustable length version. I strap these into the back of my running belt when not in use and barely know they're there. IMO the wrist straps could be a bit lighter and more easily adjustable.

George G.

Originally posted at

2026-02-05T19:00:00

Excellent poles for running or paragliding hike and fly racing. Extremely light, comfortable on the hands. Quick folding for fast packing.

William M.

Originally posted at

2025-12-25T19:00:00

These are some of the best polls out there. I know someone who did the PNT trail with these.

Joshua B.

Originally posted at

2025-12-24T19:00:00

No complaints about durability, ease of use, or comfort. If weight saving is the goal, these are perfect. If you can spare a few grams, get the pursuit poles with the cork grip. The foam on these can be a little slippery when your hands are sweaty.

michael s.

Originally posted at

2025-12-07T19:00:00

These piles are amazing. Sturdy, comfortable, and LIGHT! It almost feels like you have nothing in your hands. Great for both hiking and trail running; I don't venture out without them.

Sarah W.

Originally posted at

2025-11-23T19:00:00

I really love my new carbon poles. Very easy to pack and go. Good grip, and very comfortable handle. I have tried them on a hike, love them. I cannot wait to try them on a trail run.

Camille B.

Originally posted at

2025-11-12T19:00:00

I have two pairs. The first, I bought to hike Kilimanjaro in 2013. Damned things won't die, they are still just as good today as when I got them. The other pair? It's a backup, still in the original packaging. I love these weightless, efficient poles. Used them for trail running, hiking all over the world. They are nothing in your pack and can save your knees. I'm a pro buyer, a professional athlete and adventure traveler of 72 who's been doing this for years. These poles ROCK.

Julia H.

Originally posted at

2025-11-11T19:00:00

Took these on an Appalachian Trail thru hike. I loved them. They were light and rugged and no problem to hold when I wasn't using them. I'd toss them down climbs in Maine and they'd flex when I'd trip on acorns in Virginia but they never broke. These rocked

Andrew

Originally posted at

2025-11-09T19:00:00

My 2020 versions felt more nimble. These don't, however they assemble more cleanly and the grips are comfy.

Dylan T.

Originally posted at

2025-10-08T20:00:00

Light, folds down small, quick to put together and collapse. No complaints!

Matthew D.

Originally posted at

2025-10-06T20:00:00

Quality

Arne A.

Originally posted at

2025-10-02T20:00:00

I had a small issue with my product and without hesitation when I contacted the customer service they sent me a new one. As expected always excellent light and sturdy easy to put together an easy to takeoff during my trail running races. Definitely without any hesitation, I recommend this local company.

Bashar K.

Originally posted at

2025-10-01T20:00:00

Purchased these poles after buying some heavier poles to test out how I liked using poles. These poles were fantastic on a very technical 52 mile trail race. The trail was littered with roots and rocks throughout nearly the entire distance and the poles gave me the speed to move through the terrain efficiently and kept me from eating the ground! Very happy with my purchase and would buy again.

Alyssa B.

Originally posted at

2025-10-01T20:00:00

I used these on every excursion while in Alaska. The terrain can vary a lot along with weather.

Anne H.

Originally posted at

2025-09-29T20:00:00

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles are lightweight and stow easily in your backpack. When in use they improve your stability and speed over unstable terrain.

Ramona E.

Originally posted at

2025-09-17T20:00:00

I broke one of my old model Distance Carbon Z poles and BD no longer had the parts to repair them, so I got a new pair. The new ones are pretty much the same as the old ones, with two nice upgrades. First, the button you push to collapse the poles is now a rocker that is much easier to work. Second, these now come with small removable snow baskets, which will allow me to use them for earned runs on the local ski hill.

Blake W.

Originally posted at

2025-09-16T20:00:00

Great sticks! Easy to stow and deploy and quite light.

Rob S.

Originally posted at

2025-08-26T20:00:00

Love these poles, I use them for my paragliding setup. They pack down super small so they fit in my harness nicely and the handles are super comfy.

Quinn M.

Originally posted at

2025-08-25T20:00:00

The latest poles I bought, I actually don't need but I bought them as a backup pair. This is because I will never use any other pole. My current set are older but still going strong, however they are old enough that replacement parts are hard to come by (specifically new tips which will wear out). I have hiked over1500 miles with my poles. Because I am tall and have 130cm poles, they work perfect for my Zpacks tent. I am serious about this, these poles have saved my life over 10 times. I have almost fallen multiple times on ice, and shale. The poles stopped my fall and never broke. I have hiked with many people who have other poles and watched them snap in half. I hiked over 400 miles in nothing but snow and ice and these poles never broke and they are carbon fiber. Thats amazing. Seriously, these are fantastic. I also love that they are a set length. This however may not work for you if you use a pole for your tent. In my case they are the perfect length, but you may need the Carbon Z adjustable poles. However, with BD, you can't go wrong. Great products, great customer service.

Christopher M.

Originally posted at

2025-08-24T20:00:00

The best poles! Had some for 15 years Lost in move and so happy to replace them!!!

Eric S.

Originally posted at

2025-08-24T20:00:00

These carbon Z poles are amazing. Being an ultra marathon trail runner these poles are not only light and easy to use but are strong and functional making races easier to navigate

Adam E.

Originally posted at

2025-08-24T20:00:00

Had these poles for several months and they worked great. Finally had one that malfunctioned and wouldn't extend anymore. Black Diamond sent me a new set. Excellent poles and even better customer service. Will definitely continue to purchase from a reputable company like this. Highly recommend!

John K.

Originally posted at

2025-08-20T20:00:00

Bought these poles in 2024 for my first ultra, ran the same ultra again in 2025 The Canadian Death Race. In 2025 I was charged by a grizzly bear and used one of the poles like a bat hit the bear across the face at about 3feet and stopped the 1st of three charges. The pole held together and withstood being used as a club as well as completing two 118km ultras with 17,000ft of climbing and multiple training runs. Unfortunately the one pole doesn't collapse as nice as it used to but still going strong.

David H.

Originally posted at

2025-07-31T20:00:00

Love the poles. Super light, sturdy and still the best ????

Bin L.

Originally posted at

2025-07-19T20:00:00

I have been using these lightweight poles for three years, mostly backpacking in the Sierra Nevada backcountry. Love their lightweight and ease of use. They fold very compact and are easy to store in my pack when necessary. Finally one of the poles snapped when I took a very mild fall. Just my weight for a second was enough to snap the pole. I was able to jury rig a solution for the rest of the Sierra High Route, but learned that I need to take a sturdier pole for off trail conditions.

Michael M.

Originally posted at

2025-07-17T20:00:00

These poles are very light and easy to use.

Sarah A.

Originally posted at

2025-07-08T20:00:00

I love their weight, but on my first hike they bent wonky and never recovered to the straight position, any advice? They might be light, but I question there durability.

Donald K.

Originally posted at

2025-06-26T20:00:00

I've been using the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles primarily for trail running, and after putting over 400 miles on them, including a couple of 100-mile races, I can confidently say they're worth every ounce (or lack thereof). These poles are incredibly lightweight, so much so that you barely notice them when they're stowed or in hand. The EVA grip contours perfectly to the hand, offering just the right amount of comfort without slipping, even during long efforts. What's impressed me most is their durability. Despite being jammed between rocks, bent under pressure, and generally put through serious abuse, the carbon construction has held strong without fail. The three-section foldable design makes deployment and stowing seamless while on the move, no fumbling around mid-run. The Distance Carbon Z poles are clearly engineered with thoughtful detail, from the breathable, moisture-wicking strap to the quick-swap Tech Tips. If you're looking for an ultralight, durable, and reliable pole for high-output days on the trail, I absolutely recommend these.

Jarrett P.

Originally posted at